Origination giant Rocket is purchasing servicing behemoth Mr. Cooper at a premium. The biggest risk for Rocket is that mortgage rates might finally decline markedly in the coming quarters. Or is that an advantage?

The federal regulators’ decision to give in to pressure by trade groups representing banks isn’t sitting well with consumer advocates.

FHFA directed the GSEs to end their SPCPs, prompting renewed concerns that the Trump administration could take further actions to limit special purpose credit programs in the mortgage market.

The amount of available home equity ticked down during the fourth quarter and lenders saw a fall in demand from homeowners for home equity loans. Still, for the full year, home equity lending increased by 10.8%. (Includes three data tables.)

The spring homebuying season might not be as strong as initially expected. Interest rates are challenging and employment trends are faltering, reducing demand for purchase mortgages.

CDFIs provided $107.04 billion of residential real estate financing in fiscal year 2023. More than 500 CDFIs consider residential financing to be their primary or secondary activity.

The retail share of total first-lien originations declined to close to 50% in 2024. Brokers took share from the retail channel, led by United Wholesale Mortgage. (Includes six data tables.)

Market indicators suggest the Federal Reserve could cut rates three times this year while the MBA anticipates only one rate cut. A REIT that invests in agency MBS and servicing is shunning MSR for the moment.

The chief innovation officer at United Wholesale Mortgage testified at a hearing in Congress this week on housing affordability. Senators at the hearing largely focused on issues outside of the mortgage market.

A Fannie Mae index that measures housing sentiment declined on an annual basis in February, marking the first annual decline in housing sentiment since 2023.